AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 9 (September)
Modifier -59 vs -91 (September 2001)
September 2001 page 10b Coding Consultation Modifier -59 vs -91 Question When reporting two wound culture laboratory testing procedures, should Modifier '-59' or '-91' be used to identify a second culture of a different wound site? AMA Comment Since the wound cultures were taken from two separate sites, modifier -59 should be appended to the culture code. As indicated in the descriptor language for use of modifier -91, it is used to identify repeat performance of the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. If a second culture was performed of the same...
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Article Overview
This article reviews an AMA coding consultation from September 2001 focused on laboratory reporting for wound culture testing at separate or repeated sites. It is useful for coders, auditors, and billing staff who need to understand the broader context of modifier selection guidance discussed in CPT Assistant.
Why This Topic Matters
Articles like this help coding professionals interpret AMA guidance on laboratory test reporting and understand how modifier usage may differ depending on whether testing is repeated or performed on a different site. It is relevant to compliance-minded staff seeking to align reporting practices with published CPT Assistant commentary.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation
Introduces the coding question and frames the modifier guidance discussed in the AMA commentary.
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AMA Comment
Summarizes the published AMA response and explains the general lab-testing context addressed in the article.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s focus and discussion context within CPT Assistant.
- How AMA commentary addresses modifier selection questions in laboratory testing scenarios.
- The difference in general reporting context between repeated testing and testing from separate sites.
- The type of guidance offered for wound culture laboratory reporting.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Laboratory coding personnel
Modifiers Discussed
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